Bands of heavy rain kept hammering Oʻahu on the evening of April 12, triggering a Flood Advisory that remained in effect through 8:45 p.m. HST and raising the threat of quick-developing street and stream flooding. With soils already soaked from recent storms, runoff could spike in a hurry, and officials warned that low-lying spots and urban drainage areas were most likely to see trouble. Drivers were urged to stay out of standing water and take it slow on any roads that start to flood.
Advisory details
The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency shared the advisory and its end time on X and urged residents to stay alert, according to Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Earlier, the National Weather Service office in Honolulu had placed the islands under a Flood Watch and cautioned that a plume of tropical moisture over already saturated ground could bring rapid runoff and flash flooding, according to National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Why the risk is elevated
Heavy storms in March left parts of Oʻahu waterlogged and triggered large-scale flooding and evacuations, a setup that means even short bursts of intense rain can now produce dangerous runoff, AP reported. That earlier flooding led to hundreds of rescues on the North Shore and damaged infrastructure, a combination officials say leaves the island more vulnerable if another round of heavy rain settles in.
How to stay safe
The National Weather Service is sticking with its simple flood rule, "Turn Around, Don't Drown": do not drive into flooded roads and head for higher ground if water starts creeping up near your home, according to National Weather Service. Keep kids and pets away from storm drains and streams, and skip walking near fast-moving water, no matter how shallow it looks.
Where to get updates
For current advisory status and any shelter information, residents are urged to check the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency's official website and local alert systems. The agency's site includes links to sign up for alerts and a list of key emergency contacts, according to Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency. Social media accounts are not monitored around the clock, so officials say to call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies and to follow formal instructions immediately if evacuations are ordered.
